5G NR – OTA (Over The Air) Testing Introduction

5G New Radio Seminar Americas, May 2019

Günter Pfeifer
Market Segment Manager – Wireless Communication

C O M PAN Y R E S T R I C T E D
Testing OTA? – Easy, just cut the cord… and replace it with an
antenna…

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May 2019 5G NR – OTA Overview 2
Why OTA testing?
3GPP TR 38.803 NR RF testability

Conducted testing OTA measurements

Re-use LTE UE 6 GHz 24 GHz in far field*

testing methodology *Note: Alternative near field methods are not precluded

Only antenna performance Everything to be tested

tested requires over the air (OTA)
over the air (OTA)
[TRP, TIS, …]

Source: 3GPP TR 38.803 V2.0.0

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Why is OTA such an important topic for 5G NR?
ı 5G NR addresses – besides others – eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) eMBB

ı eMBB means data rates of 20Gbps

ı Needs wide bandwidth (Shannon‘s law) BW

ı Contiguous wide bandwidth available at high frequencies (mmW bands) mmW

ı High frequencies – high path loss

pathloss

ı Counter measure – beamforming techniques

ı Beamforming needs active antenna arrays with multiple phase steered beamforming
antennas
AAS
ı Phased arrays do not allow cable connections

ı Testing can only be done wirelessly – over the air - OTA

OTA

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It’s all about no cables….in 5G mmWave systems
3D gain patterns of mmWave UE antenna
ı Phased arrays do not allow
connection through cables

 Many antennas –
many connectors

 Cable influences
antenna characteristics

No measurement cable With measurement cable  Antenna becomes system

relevant functionality with
Antenna couples to all surrounding objects
Conductive measurements introduce large error beamforming etc.
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New challenges coming up with OTA testing

ı Testing in OTA is not new

ı So far below 6GHz antenna performance tests only
ı Now EVERYTHING has to be tested OTA
ı Frequencies in mmWave

ı Lots of new things to consider

 Radiation pattern of the antenna
 Field properties of the radiation
 Near field vs. far field conditions
 Quiet zone sizes
 Chamber sizes
 Positioners
 …

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Radiation properties
ı Each antenna or antenna element emits a multitude of spherical waves
ı As the waves are travelling away from the antenna their energy locally decreases with the distance
from the antenna as it distributes over an increasing sphere
ı At a given point far enough away from the antenna the emitted wave looks plane within certain limits
- this region is called the “quiet zone”
 Compare with throwing a stone into water

ı To increase the size of the quiet zone there are several options
 Move further away from the antenna
 Manipulate the field distribution
 Use overlapping fields from multiple antennas
 …

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Fundamental properties: electromagnetic fields
0.1 m apperture size at 28 GHz

Reactive near Radiated near field region Far field

field region Phase & magnitude Magnitude

𝐷3 *
2𝐷2
0.62 = 19 𝑐𝑚 = 1.87 𝑚
𝜆 𝜆
𝜆
* = formula commonly taken for radiators with D> C O M PAN Y R E S T R I C T E D
2
May 2019 5G NR – OTA Overview
What is the quiet zone?

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How good is the quiet zone?

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Reactive near field – radiated near field – far field D = size of radiating aperture
λ = wavelength

ı Reactive near field close to the antenna

 Every object couples with the antenna - influences the antenna pattern and performance

2𝐷 2
ı Far field (beyond 𝜆
)
 Field is considered as locally planar
 RF measurements are easy - only magnitude measurements

ı Between these two point radiated near field

 Waves are not plane - measurements in magnitude and phase
 Entire sphere has to be measured to understand field distribution
 For transformation to far field
 Typically use of a positioner
 Measurement more complex and time consuming, setup more expensive

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Measurements that can be performed in the reactive near field

ı No RF parametric measurements like EVM, ACLR etc.

ı Stay away from the reactive near field
ı Measurements would influence the result since antenna pattern is influenced

ı Things like SAR measurements are performed here

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Measurements that can be performed in the radiated near field
ı Spherical scan of the entire field in magnitude and phase
 All field parameters are known
 Can then be mathematically transformed into the far field by using certain algorithms
 All Tx measurements
 Effort much higher than in far field
 Space requirements are lower

ı Directly in radiated near field (without far field transformation)

 Only some certain parameters can be measured
 TRP (Total Radiated Power)
 Peak EIRP (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power)
 ACLR
 Measurement uncertainties higher than in far field

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 Solution transforming NF to FF by Software algorithm
𝑓𝑥,𝑦 = 𝐴 ඵ 𝐸𝑥,𝑦 𝑒 +𝑗𝐤∙𝐫 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦

Amplitude Phase

𝑓𝑥,𝑦 = 𝐴 ඵ 𝐸𝑥,𝑦 𝑒 +𝑗𝐤∙𝐫 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦

Complex near-field Plane wave far-
field received

SW algorithm

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Near-field to Far-field Transformation – FIAFTA
Features Performance Comparison Transformation

High precision positioner

angular resolution 0.1°

NF-FF transformation

Fast Spiral Scan

vs.

6 minutes 220 minutes

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Measurements that can be performed in the far field

ı Measurements in the far field

 Comparably easy
 Every RF measurement can be performed
 EiRP/EiS (Effective isotropic Radiated Power/Sensitivity)
 In beam measurements for R&D and Production
 EVM, ACLR, SEM, OBW, BLER etc.
 Far away from antenna
 Additional challenge - path loss typically high for direct far field

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Direct FF measurement Systems
Far Field
Magnitude

Dual-Polarized High-Gain
3D Rotation of DUT
Antenna
Single Measurement point

Device
Under
Test

DUT-MEAS Antenna Separation: R > 2D2/λ

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 Wireless Performance Anechoic Test Chambers for mmWave
Far-field: 5G UE/CPE Test Far-field: 5G Basestation Test

Wireless Performance Test Chamber (WPTC) Overview

5,8x5,2x5,1m
5,2x4,2x4m
4,6x3,7x3,5m
3,5x3x3m
2,4x2,4x2,4

WPTC-XS WPTC-S WPTC-M WPTC-L WPTC-XL

Pre-Compliant CTIA Compliant

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Quiet Zone Size D = size of radiating aperture
λ = wavelength

ı How big of a quiet zone is required in far field?

ı Depends on frequency and size of radiating aperture

2𝐷2
 Fraunhofer distance
𝜆

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What size of a quiet zone (QZ) is needed? D = size of radiating aperture
λ = wavelength

ı Size and position of the antenna known D= 3 cm

 This size can be taken as D
 White box testing - device is a “white box” for the user
since position of the antenna is known
2𝐷 2
e.g. QZ size 3 cm; 30 GHz  λ = 1cm ; far field distance 18 cm
𝜆

ı Size and/or position of the antenna is unknown

 Entire DUT maximum distance to be considered as D
D=
 Black box testing - device is a “black box” for the user 12 cm
2𝐷2
e.g. QZ size 12 cm; 30 GHz  λ = 1 cm; far field distance 2.9 m
𝜆

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How big of a chamber is required for direct far field?
ı Quiet zone size (black box)

12 cm

ı Chamber size 3 m…5 m

ı Quiet zone size (white box)

D= 3 cm

ı Chamber size 0.5 m

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How to reduce the far field distance?

ı Indirect far field methods

 To overcome challenge of high path loss in far field

ı CATR (compact antenna test range)

 Perform transformation of field to far field conditions using hardware
 Leads to far field conditions in smaller chamber size
 Typically bigger quiet zone

ı Same measurements as in far field

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Far-field to near-field systems: hardware Fourier transforms
𝑓𝑥,𝑦 = 𝐴 ඵ 𝐸𝑥,𝑦 𝑒 +𝑗𝐤∙𝐫 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
Complex near-field Plane wave far-
wave generated Amplitude Phase
field received

Fresnel Lens (Fourier Optics) Reflector: Compact Antenna Test Range Array: Plane Wave Convertor

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Possibilities to shrink the chamber size –
indirect far field
Reflector

DUT

Feed

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CATR – Compact Antenna Test Range

N cm CATR
reflector ~ ½ N cm quiet zone

Plane waves

Spherical wave

Feed horn

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CATR is a Bi-directional Device Reverse: DUT Transmits

Forward: DUT Receives

Quiet Zone
Device
Under
Test

Quiet Zone

From: Reflector Focal Point (Feed) From: DUT Quiet Zone

To: Reflector and DUT Quiet Zone To: Reflector Focal Point (Feed)

Reflector transforms spherical field Reflector is a spatial filter that extracts

from focal point (feed antenna) into a the planar components of the spherical
planar wave in front of reflector to wave from DUT and focuses them at
quiet zone the focal point (feed antenna)

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 Path Loss in CATR Systems
Side View Top View
Vertical QZ Taper
d1 > d0 < d2

d2

d0

d1 Amplitude Taper of Feed Horizontal QZ Taper

Antenna (HPBW)

FSPL: Different FF paths

to upper and lower
portions of reflector (d)

d1 < d0 < d2 frequency Free Space Path Loss:

from Feed to Reflector
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Path Loss in CATR Systems Parabolic Reflector Power Density
ITU-R BS.1968 (2005)

Reflector Near Field

Quiet Zone

P. Walt “The power density in the

radiating near field region of directive
antennas”, 2012

Reflector Far Field Power Density is constant up to: 0.25D2/l

800B/R: 8 meters 800B/R (D = 20cm): 1 meter @30GHz
1800C: 18 meters 1800C (D = 30cm): 2.25 meters @30GHz

Feed Antenna (low-gain) Far Field: FSPL No Path Loss from Reflector to DUT
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CATR Reflector Error: Edge Treatment (Low Frequency & QZ)
No scattering of energy
back into quiet zone

Es
Wave ‘bends’
around corner

Ei
Rolled Edges
Low Scattering

Ei: Initial EM field (from feed horn)

Quiet Zone Corner forms
Amplitude Ripple a point source
High
Es
scattering of
Ei energy into
quiet zone

Knife Edge
High Scattering
W. Burnside “Curved Edge Modification of Compact Range Reflector”, IEEE 1987
Es: Scattered EM field (from edges)

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CATR Reflector Errors: Surface Roughness (High Frequency)

ρmax
Surface roughness
Measurement:
• Rqmax < 1 micron
Ideal Actual (RMS)
• Ra < 1.6 microns
(arithmetic average)
Maximum Frequency
Surface Roughness • Rzmax < 45 microns
(microns) (peak2peak)
28 GHz 75

43 GHz (in band) 49

87 GHz (spurious emissions) 24

220 GHz (FCC 5th Harmonic) <1

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ATS800B – CATR Benchtop test setup
ı Application: basic antenna R&D, education
WPTC
ı Frequency range: 20-50 GHz
Comparable QZ size in DFF
8m @ 30 GHz ı Quiet zone: D 20 cm

ı Dimensions: 120x60x80cm

ı Maximum DUT size: 40x40 cm (laptop)

ı Reflector <1um surface roughness

ı Optional 2D positioner

No shielding
ı Wide band feed antenna
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 ATS800R – CATR Rack-Mounted Test Chamber
ı Application: chipset and mobile phone R&D
Height =
2.1m (6ft 10”)

Reflector Rack Mounting

ı Frequency range: 20-50 GHz
Adjustable Tilts in 2 planes

ı Quiet zone: D 20 cm

ı Dimensions: 80x100x210 cm (rack)

ı Maximum DUT size: 40x40 cm (laptop)

ı Reflector <1um surface roughness

Depth =
1m (3ft 3”)
Shielding efficiency ı Optional 3D positioner
~ 50..60dB
Width =
0.8m (2ft 7”) ı Wide band feed antenna
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ATS1800C - full conformance / compliance testing solution
ı Application: 3GPP conformance

ı Frequency range: 18-87GHz

Comparable QZ size
in DFF ı Quiet zone: D 30 cm
18 m @ 30 GHz
ı Dimensions: 90x150x210 cm

ı Maximum DUT size: 40x40 cm (laptop)

ı Reflector <1um surface roughness

ı 3D great circle cut positioner

ı Wide band feed antenna

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 ATS1000 – fast and compact mmW OTA solution
1.99 m ı Compact conical cut concept dedicated to mmW DFF
6ft 6“
and NFFF
ATS1000
ı <0.1° positioner accuracy and laser alignment ensure
high radiation pattern measurement accuracy

ı DUT: devices up to 14’’ and 20 kg

ı Current frequency coverage: 18 GHz to 50 GHz

ı Cable management through rotary joint and energy

chain

ı TRP test at 28 GHz with 4 degree angular step takes

1.53 m
0,85 m
5ft
2ft 9“ about 7 min
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OTA test in extreme temperature conditions

ı Active antenna arrays

 Amplifiers and phase shifters for beam forming and beam steering
 Temperature sensitive
 Accuracy in forming beams influenced by operation temperature
 OTA tests in different temperature conditions

ı Temperature tests in OTA chamber is difficult

 Volume of air to be heated or cooled is big - takes a long time to reach stable temperature
 Absorbers and positioning motors do not like very high or very low temperatures

ı Thermal solution avoiding these problems

 Climate bubble installed inside OTA chamber ATS1000
 Climate controlled by an external thermal stream

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ATS1000 full 3-D OTA solution for extreme conditions
ı Full spherical measurement under
controlled temperature condition
from -40°C to +85°C
ı 100°K temp change within approx.
10 minutes (-40…+60 / +85…-15)

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ATSx series overview
ATS800B ATS800R ATS1000 ATS1800C

Application Benchtop R&D R&D R&D +preconformance Conformance

Main frequency range 20-50 GHz 20-50GHz 18-87 GHz 18-87 GHz
Quiet zone (@1 dB D 20 cm D 20 cm D 7 cm D 30 cm
amplitude taper)
Automation/Positioner 2D positioner 3D positioner 3D conical cut 3D great circle cut

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R&S CMQ200 shielding cube key facts

Ready for 5G and extra technologies -> absorber range 20 to 75 GHz

Prepared for automated handling -> drawer concept with automatic opening

Robust for million cycles -> solid, well known design

Reduced floor space -> fits into 19” racks

Scalable for most DUT’s -> smart devices , CPEs, RFICs, prototypes

Efficient for big lot sizes -> layouts with simplified geometry

Flexible for small lot sizes -> layout with floor positioner

Integrated OTA solution with CMP200/RRH -> reliability + efficiency

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R&S 5G NR OTA Solutions
Antenna Design Early Stage R&D R&D / Regression RF Conformance mmW Production
• Highest Bandwidth • High Test Speed • Cost efficient • large QZ • One stop shop solution
• Flexible system • Climatic Testing • Space for instruments • IB/OOB up to 90GHz • High automation

WPTC ATS1000 ATS800 ATS1800C CMP200

CMQ200

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OTA testing fundamentals poster

Download at
www.rohde-schwarz.com/OTA-poster
www.mobilewirelesstesting.com

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 “If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together!”
African proverb

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